Although the real holiday is on Tuesday, Halloween will be in full force this weekend in State College, with activities ranging from a scary haunted maze to a parade of dressed-up tiny tots.

Tonight and tomorrow night, students can ride a Centre Area Transportation Authority bus to Lemont for a spooky maze from 7 to 10 p.m.

"The Haunted Granary is so scary," said Susan Smith, restoration committee co-chairwoman for the grain elevator and coal shed. "There's blood, gore, body parts and people jumping out everywhere."

The Haunted Granary, 133 Mt. Nittany Road, is a fundraiser for the building's restoration. About 1,000 people came out last year, and any bad weather the weekend may bring "hasn't stopped people in the past," Smith said.

The 150 feet of maze winds through a two-story building as brave souls navigate rickety stairs in the dark, Smith said.

About 65 students from State College Area High School volunteer as actors in the maze, while about 40 adults help with ticket sales. Ticket sellers dressed as witches tease those in line, and this year the band Dirty Blonde will entertain those who withstand the fear.

After the maze, warm food will be available for those who survive the fright.

At 7 p.m. Sunday, the Centre Region Parks and Recreation and State College Lions Club will hold a Halloween costume parade.

"If you like Halloween, if you like dressing up, then the parade is for you," said Beth Lee, Centre Region Parks and Recreation program and special events supervisor. "It really defines 'community event.' "

Participants will gather at 6:30 p.m. on Burrowes Road off West College Avenue, march down College Avenue and finish at Memorial Field for judging.

"Penn State students hold signs for costume divisions and help with the judging at the end of the parade," Lee said.

The kids are all cute, so it's hard to choose a winner, Lee said. The parade has been going on for about 60 years and draws a crowd of up to 2,000 people, she said.

"People who walked in the parade as kids now bring their own kids," said Lee. "It's a great thing for anyone to be a part of."

At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, the South Halls Residence Association, the Schreyer Honors College and Residence Life will sponsor a bus for students to Nittany Mountain Trails for a hayride.

The theme of the evening will be "a little bit folky, a little bit fun," said Kathleen McDermott, student adviser for Simmons Hall and member of Residence Life.

Students will go on a haunted hayride, then enjoy hamburgers, sausages and s'mores around a bonfire, McDermott said. Sign-ups and more information are available in 202 Redifer Commons.

There are also many events closer to campus. On Saturday night, Silver Circle will host their annual Witches' Ball in the HUB-Robeson Center in conjunction with Late Night Penn State from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

There will be a costume contest, along with performances by Black Tie Revenue, Kid Icarus, Jaxy & The Three 57's and The Bullet Parade, said Kevin Dobash, president of Silver Circle.

"The event is intended to sponsor better pagan relationships with the community," Dobash said. "We will have fliers and posters explaining things about us."

The offices of Food Services and Housing will also host Halloween-inspired pumpkin painting and theme dinners on Monday and Tuesday. Each residence hall will have pumpkins for the free activity.

"We asked that they do painting instead of carving," said Marce Pancio, assistant director of South Halls, "since candles aren't allowed in Residence Halls."

West Halls has also joined with the Anime club for movies, costumes and food, said Sean Cook, assistant director of West Halls.

Some students are also excited for festivities.

"Halloween is by far my favorite holiday," said Dana Donofrio (senior-psychology). "Guys can dress in humorous costumes, while girls can dress like skanks and get away with it. It's liberating."